JAP camp abuzz with action
Gorkha jawans turn salesmen

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Jawans display their martial arts skills during the Raising Day celebrations on Saturday. (Hardeep Singh)

Ranchi, Jan. 5: Forgoing their khaki uniforms for a day, Gorkha jawans of Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP)-1 showed that they are not only adept in safeguarding the state but also equally capable of enjoying the sunny side of their life.

The Doranda headquarters of the first battalion of Jharkhand Armed Police-1 (JAP-1) was a beehive of activity on the 133th Raising Day as senior officers, junior commanding officers and jawans, their families and the public mingled with each other.

Sharp at 9.30am, the jawans were on the field to enthral a 1,000-strong audience. The day unfolded with a parade followed by a band display, martial arts demonstration and, of course, a khukri drill that was clearly the cynosure of all eyes.

Children of the jawans, trained by JAP instructors, also presented a martial arts display. A group of young girls, dressed in traditional attire, performed a choreographed dance to loud applause.

“This battalion has completed 133 years. It has a tradition of bravery and sacrifice,” said additional director general K.S. Meena as he highlighted the glorious history of the battalion.

By 11.30am, the jawans were through with their performances and each of them was ready to don a different role.

Unlike normal days, when they talk about firing, bayonet fighting, training, operations and similar topics, the defence personnel were found selling sweaters, jackets, purses, toys, track suits, pickles, fast food and similar items at the 91 stalls at Anand Mela, a fair organised on the occasion.

“Each forlo for Rs 350. Buy it to bring peace and safety at your home. It can also be kept in cars,” shouted constable Sangdeep Tamang to an interested customer.

Similarly, constable with the transport section Krishna Kumar Pradhan and his sister Bindu were selling a special pack of 11 wines. “Each pack contains 11 varieties of wine and costs only Rs 600. It is very popular in the north eastern states of our country,” yelled the constable. The fair is open till Tuesday.

Inspector Suresh Kumar Chettry, a senior member of JAP-1, was seen enjoying his daylong outing with his family. “I am so fond of momo that I took an off from my duty to come here and savour the dish,” said Chettry.